Christmas Miracles Stories

Shine Miracles Campaign 2018

Client Stories

Family #1: Alyssa

Story:

I was struggling to find stable work while taking care of my two children and wasn’t expecting the news – I was pregnant again. Slowly, the kids and I became excited about welcoming a new baby into our lives. So, when I gave birth a month early and she was stillborn, the shock and devastation was almost unbearable. While dealing with our grief and still trying to find a job, my doctor diagnosed me with hypothyroidism. Now I see my doctor bi-weekly, making my search for work difficult and our financial situation complicated.

Needs/Wish List:

Alyssa:

Gift card for a spa day (CLICK HERE to Make a difference for Family #1)

Shine family food hamper (CLICK HERE to Make a difference for Family #1)

Mall gift card for winter clothes (CLICK HERE to Make a difference for Family #1)

New dresser (Currently uses boxes) (CLICK HERE to Make a difference for Family #1)

Family #2: Emily

Story:

I’m happily married, with two beautiful children. But life isn’t always easy for us. I became pregnant with my first child through an assault. After meeting my husband and getting married, we had our daughter. But supporting our family is difficult. I have a permanent disability from nerve damage in my back, along with chronic pain. And my husband is legally blind. We’re on subsidy, as my disability doesn’t allow me to work full time. But every day we’re working to overcome our physical and financial challenges, so we can give our kids a better life.

My husband and I emigrated from Egypt. We have no family here to help us with our four kids under four, plus we have another child on the way. I’m supposed to be on bed rest, as it’s a high-risk pregnancy, but it’s impossible with four little ones running around and no childcare support. My husband works in construction but struggles to find enough work to sustain our growing family. I also have diabetes, which requires daily insulin shots. We’re overwhelmed…having to deal with parenting challenges and feeling isolated.

Baby chair or baby rocker (CLICK HERE to Make a difference for Family #3)

Family #4: Claire

Story:

I fled to the States from West Africa when war broke out. I married a Canadian, had a daughter, moved to Alberta…and became pregnant again. He bought me a one-way plane ticket, telling me to return to the States while waiting for a background check for my citizenship. Then he stopped answering my calls. I found pictures of him online with my daughter and another woman. I flew back and found our apartment empty. I took him to court and got full custody of our daughter, but found out he never applied for my citizenship. I’m a single mom, applying for a visa, and pregnant with no medical coverage.

Bowl and other tools to take care of Fish (CLICK HERE to Make a difference for Family #4)

High Chair for 3 year old (CLICK HERE to Make a difference for Family #4)

Family #5: Aubry

Story:

I had a difficult childhood, and I want more for my kids. They deserve someone who’s always there. That’s why I’m trading addiction and dysfunction for sobriety and stability. A few years ago, my developmentally delayed son and I moved to Alberta. We came in a hurry, leaving much of our possessions behind. We were in and out of homelessness, trying desperately to leave my destructive past. With a young son at home, and a second on the way, I’m finally looking forward to the future.

Lamp for baby’s bedroom (CLICK HERE to Make a difference for Family #5)

Family #6: Hannah

Story:

My daughter was born with a condition where she doesn’t produce white blood cells. If she gets sick, her body isn’t strong enough to fight. For a while, we lived with my mom, then our landlord decided to sell, and we were forced to move. Shelters can’t give my daughter what she needs, and suitable rentals aren’t affordable…so we couch surf. It’s hard to find steady work, when I need to spend so much time with her. I can barely afford clothing, diapers, and formula.

As soon as I moved my husband to Canada he became abusive. Just five weeks after he arrived, I had no choice but to file an Emergency Protection Order. Over the next few years, I learned our marriage was a fraud. He never loved me; he just wanted to live in Canada. Last year, most of my earnings went to pay for a lawyer because my ex was continually breaking the order and getting too close to me and my daughter. We need somewhere new to live, someplace safe.

Needs/Wish List:

Molly:

Home Furnishings & Accessories (CLICK HERE to Make a difference for Family #7)

My husband and I worked odd jobs to get by. We didn’t have a lot, but we were happy. My husband had to leave Canada to be with his father who’d just been diagnosed with terminal cancer, and my brother came to “take care of me”. He constantly threatens me and is abusive. I’m five months pregnant, with no job; I’m scared for my safety, and the safety of my unborn child. I don’t know when my husband is coming back, and without him I have no means to leave…but I need start preparing for the baby.

I’ve been through a lot of trauma in my life. I grew up with an abusive mother, I’ve had people I care about die unexpectedly and sometimes violently, and I’ve recently left an abusive relationship. I was also doing drugs for a while, but decided to get clean for my children. I have an eight year old son and just had twins – one boy and one girl. I’m working to escape the violence I’ve experienced my whole life and build a loving, safe, and caring life for my kids.

I was in my last year of college when I found out I was pregnant. I had to choose between finishing school and becoming a mom. I chose to become a mom. My parents did not support my decision and kicked me out. My baby’s father told me he wasn’t ready to raise a child. I was abandoned and alone. A friend helped me find a place to live, and I used my savings for rent. I thank God for the resources in the community providing me and my baby with food and clothes. I’m going to continue to fight for a better life for my child.

I’ve suffered a lifetime of abuse. Growing up wasn’t easy, and I was subjected to physical, sexual, and emotional abuse from my previous boyfriend. When I found out I was pregnant, I fled. My daughter just turned one, and I’m very hopeful for the future. I’m now in a healthy relationship. He works and I’m currently taking care of my daughter and hoping to find work soon. I’ve taken steps to make better choices, for myself and my daughter.

Gift card for regular and work clothes (CLICK HERE to Make a difference for Family #11)

Coffee shop gift card (CLICK HERE to Make a difference for Family #11)

Family entertainment passes (Science Centre, Zoo, swimming etc.) (CLICK HERE to Make a difference for Family #11)

Family #12: June

Story:

I am originally from Liberia. But I grew up as a refugee in a neighboring country because of war. My family and I lived in the refugee camp for ten years before moving to Canada. My husband is still not with us, and I’m in the process of sponsoring him to join us. We have two beautiful sons who miss their dad every day. Things in Canada haven’t been easy though. Six years ago I was diagnosed with cancer, and a year later I became clinically depressed. But my children and I are hopeful, and we pray to God every day for their father to join us soon.

I’m expecting my first baby in the New Year. I’ll be a single mom with no help or support from anyone. When I was younger, I believed someday life would get easier, but I’ve realized it’s never easy and you just have to be strong. I’m unemployed and struggling financially. Rent and bills keep piling up. But I’m trying to stay positive and make sure I’m ready for when my baby comes. I’ve taken classes on how to have a healthy pregnancy and how to care for a newborn. I’m hopeful my journey will get a bit brighter in time

We’ve struggled to put food on the table for the past two years. We have a beautiful three year old son, and an almost one year old daughter. During my pregnancy I had some health problems and wasn’t able to work. My husband works two jobs to make ends meet while I’m at home with the kids. But we still don’t have enough to pay the bills. With financial struggles comes relationship struggles. But we’re staying positive, and I’m even hoping to go back to school to help provide for our family.

I became an orphan when I was three years old. When I came to Canada I was raised by my older sister, who left me when I was seventeen to survive and provide for myself. It’s been hard to trust anyone. I met my husband and we had two wonderful boys. I’m pregnant with our third, but my husband and I are separating. I’ve been unable to find work, companies tell me they won’t hire someone who’s pregnant. But despite all the heartache, I find hope through the Lord.

My childhood wasn’t very stable. I grew up with my mom until I was about three. Then I went to live with my Grandma. But then when I was seven I was taken from my Grandma’s home and put into foster care. They even separated some of my siblings. I met a guy, who turned out to be abusive. After four years I got the courage to leave him. Now I’m pregnant with nowhere to live. I’ve been couch surfing while applying for housing assistance. I’m staying hopeful I can find somewhere to live and raise my baby.

Needs/Wish list:

Carrie

Living Room Furniture (CLICK HERE to Make a difference for Family #16)